Page 23 of Chasing Forever

After they’d finished and passed on dessert, he said, “Do you want to take a walk through the grounds before we leave?”

“Sure. I’d love to see more of the gardens.” Plus, I’d like to spend more time with you.

They paid the bill, which she insisted on splitting with him, and then went down the wide porch steps and onto the path that led to the gardens. It was dark, but tiki torches lined the pathways that wound in and out of various landscaped areas.

They strolled along, stopping occasionally to admire certain flowers that were indigenous to the area. They passed a few couples who were holding hands or who had stopped for a romantic kiss, and Callie decided this place was definitely going in her book. While she’d been soaking up the scene, she’d also been acutely aware of the gorgeous man by her side, and she’d noticed a few admiring glances from passersby.

They probably think we’re a couple, she thought, even though we’re not doing anything coupley.

“I just realized something. I never asked what kind of writing you do,” Chase said, breaking into her reverie.

Her brain scrambled to come up with something that would be near the truth without revealing too much. “I’m a novelist, more of an aspiring one, really. I always feel like I’m practicing becoming a novelist.”

“Kind of like me. They call it a law practice for a reason. You never really become an expert at it.”

“Good analogy.”

“So, the notebooks…”

“I find inspiration everywhere, so I always like to have one on hand.”

“Do you have one with you tonight?”

“In my purse.”

“Yet you haven’t brought it out.”

“I didn’t want to be rude.”

He chuckled. “Did you find anything inspiring?”

He’d stopped walking, so she did too. When she turned to face him, her breath caught. He was lit up from behind by a tiki torch, and his outline filled her vision. His hands were in the pockets of his khaki shorts, and his polo shirt stretched tight across his chest. That chest. She’d seen it enough times that she could envision every detail in her mind. He cocked his head, waiting for her response, and he might have been smirking.

“Yes,” she said, her voice sounding a bit breathy.

He gave her a full-on smile then, and she practically melted. Something about being outside at night, surrounded by all this beauty, had her heart pounding. Or maybe it was because of the way he was looking at her like he was determined to figure her out.

She felt like they were playing a game of cat and mouse, but she was enjoying it. They were each revealing a little, but not too much, so the mystery was still there. Who knew she’d get this much material from one dinner out with him?

“Maybe we should head back,” he said, but he didn’t sound overly enthused about it.

She nodded because what else could she do? She hadn’t wanted to suggest going to a bar because that might send the wrong message. Besides, she’d already had two drinks, and that was her limit. Any more and she might show all her cards. It was better to go home, write down some notes, and go to bed—alone.

They slowly walked back to his car, and this time, she let him help her in. It wasn’t necessary, but she appreciated the gesture, and she liked the feel of her hand in his.

“So, what else are you going to do on the island besides write?” he asked on the drive back to the resort.

“I’d like to drive up the Na Pali Coast and check out some of the other beaches and towns.”

“What a coincidence. I was thinking of driving up there too. Maybe we could go together one day.”

“Oh.”

He glanced over at her. “Or not?”

She laughed. “No, it’s fine. I just didn’t expect you to ask.”

“Why not?”